Cinematic film has the power to captivate and transform us. The essence of a good film inspires us in many ways. As travellers, we are always looking for the next destination. Check out a few of our favourites that motivate us to seek out that next great place.

About the Film:

A powerful and inspirational story about family, friends, and the challenges we face. Martin Sheen plays Tom, an irascible American doctor who comes to France to collect the remains of his adult son (played by Emilio Estevez), killed in the Pyrenees while walking The Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James. Rather than return home, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage to honor his son’s desire to finish the journey. What Tom doesn’t plan on is the profound impact the journey will have on him. Inexperienced as a trekker, Tom soon discovers that he will not walk alone.

Our 2 Cents:

The first time we watched we came very close to booking a flight to the Pyrenes in France. That was too rash, so we decided to watch it again so we could pay attention to the gear they were using. Beyond the tragedy of what happened to Tom’s son, this film depicts what’s great about walking the walk of a real traveller. We all travel for different reasons, but if you are open to the experience, amazing things happen.

About the Film:

With the dissolution of her marriage and the death of her mother, Cheryl Strayed has lost all hope. After years of reckless, destructive behaviour, she makes a rash decision. With absolutely no experience, driven only by sheer determination, Cheryl hikes more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, alone. WILD powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddens, strengthens, and ultimately heals her.

Our 2 Cents:

This movie will have you heading straight to your nearest sporting goods store to buy some hiking boots. It just goes to show you that there are many ways to tame the demons that haunt us. The best part is we get to experience the awesome landscapes from the comfort of our couch.

About the Film:

The remarkable true story of Robyn Davidson (Mia Wasikowska), a young woman who leaves her life in the city to make a solo trek through almost 2,000 miles of sprawling Australian desert. Accompanied by only her dog and four unpredictable camels, she sets off on a life-changing journey of self-discovery. Along the way, she meets National Geographic photographer Rick Smolan (Adam Driver) who begins to photograph her voyage.

Our 2 Cents:

A pioneer of solo female travel, the movie tells the story of Robyn Davidson, who traversed the Outback of Western Australia in the company of 4 camels and her faithful dog Diggity. After reading the book in high school, Tara was ready to take her own walkabout. The film was 30 years in the making, but the tale of her trekking 1,700 miles across the blistering desert is a testament to the will of the human spirit. Tara was eager to see how the movie would turn out and she wasn’t disappointed.

About the Film:

A moment comes when you stop dreaming and create your own destiny. For Walter Mitty, a daydreamer who escapes his anonymous existence by disappearing into a world of fantasies, that moment is now. When his job, along with that of his coworker (Kristen Wiig), is threatened, Walter takes action in the real world, embarking on a journey more incredible than anything he could’ve imagined. Ben Stiller directs and stars in this inspiring story about an ordinary man who finds the courage to leap into the extraordinary adventure that is life.

Our 2 Cents:

With his world coming down around him, Walter breaks out of his shell and catapults into the real world with both feet in pursuit of a singularly focused mission. It’s a movie that wakes you up out of your comfort zone and start making plans. The cinematography is breathtaking—anyone that sees this film will add the Nordic region to their “Living List”.

About the Film:

Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) is a modern woman on a quest to marvel at and travel the world while rediscovering and reconnecting with her true inner self in Eat Pray Love. At a crossroads after a divorce, Gilbert takes a year-long sabbatical from her job and steps uncharacteristically out of her comfort zone, risking everything to change her life. In her wondrous and exotic travels, she experiences the simple pleasure of nourishment by eating in Italy; the power of prayer in India, and, finally and unexpectedly, the inner peace and balance of love in Bali. Based on an inspiring true story, Eat Pray Love proves that there really is more than one way to let yourself go and see the world.

Our 2 Cents:

You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. It’s a very relatable movie on many levels as Liz immerses herself in Italy, India, and Bali. Now, who’s hungry for some pasta?

About the Film:

Cameron Diaz and Academy Award-nominee Kate Winslet star as two women who have just survived bad bouts of man trouble just before the holidays. Desperate for a change of scene, they swap houses and travel in different directions (Diaz to London, Winslet to Los Angeles), each finds herself alone in an unfamiliar town, but neither remains a stranger in her new surroundings for long. The all-star cast that includes Jude Law, Jack Black, Eli Wallach, Ed Burns and Rufus Sewell.

Our 2 Cents:

We watch this film every year at Christmas time—usually more than once. The set of both homes are idyllic in their respective genres. The quaint country cottage with a sagging roof but more than ample fireplace for the snowy winter of England. The gated, opulent mansion tucked into sunny Los Angeles that offers almost every modern convenience imaginable. Oh, but which location captures your heart?

About the Film:

Academy Award-winner Meryl Streep leads an all-star cast in this film adaptation of the beloved stage musical featuring the timeless lyrics and melodies of iconic super group ABBA. Streep portrays a strong, independent hotel owner on an idyllic Greek isle who is preparing to host her daughter’s wedding. The guests include not only her oldest and dearest friends, but also three men from her past whom her daughter secretly invited because she suspects one might be her father! “Mamma Mia!” is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found.

Our 2 Cents:

“Campy” best describes this one. It’s a lot of fun. You will definitely want to visit Greece after seeing this one.

About the Film:

Tom Hanks gives an astonishing performance as Forrest, an everyman whose simple innocence comes to embody a generation. Alongside his mamma (Sally Field), his best friend Bubba (Mykelti Williamson), and his favorite girl Jenny (Robin Wright), Forrest has a ringside seat for the most memorable events of the second half of the 20th century. Winner of six Academy Awards®, including Best Picture, Best Director (Robert Zemeckis), and Best Actor (Tom Hanks), FORREST GUMP remains one of the great movie triumphs of all time.

Our 2 Cents:

Fans have flocked across America to follow the path of Forest Gump. From the Deep South to the deserts of Utah and Arizona, we’re privy to wonderful scenery and meet inspiring characters as we’re reminded of important events in American history.

About the Film:

Audrey Hepburn’s Oscar-winning performance in her first starring role. Roman Holiday was nominated for ten Academy Awards, and Audrey Hepburn captured an Oscar for her portrayal of a modern-day princess, rebelling against the royal obligations, who explores Rome on her own. She meets Gregory Peck, an American newspaperman who, seeking an exclusive story, pretends ignorance of her true identity. But his plan falters as they fall in love. Eddie Albert contributes to the fun as Peck’s carefree cameraman pal. Stylishly directed by William Wyler, this romantic comedy ranks as one of the most enjoyable films of all times.

Our 2 Cents:

Fall for all things Italian as we follow Audrey Hepburn through the streets of Rome. We get a highlight tour of Rome’s most endearing monuments as the stars of the film fall in love. Ah amoré. Make you want to go to Italy, does it not?

About the Film:

Two drag queens and a transsexual get a cabaret gig in the middle of the desert.

Our 2 Cents:

This is an iconic Australian movie that features some of the finest actors Australia has produced in Guy Pearce and Hugo Weaving. Terence Stamp joins them as the drag performers road trip across the dusty Outback with extravagance and humour. This movie gives a glimpse into characters you’d very likely find in the outback and scenery that will make you put the Australian Outback – especially Kings Canyon – on your list.

About the Film:

There’s nothing more exciting than trying to keep up with the Joneses in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Indy’s Nazi enemies are back and have kidnapped his father, Professor Henry Jones Sr. (Sean Connery), in their effort to locate the sacred Holy Grail. Following a trail from America to Venice to the deserts of the Middle East, it’s up to Indy (Harrison Ford) to save his father, save the Grail and save the day in this non-stop, action-packed adventure the whole family will treasure.

Our 2 Cents:

Adventurous globe-trotter seeking lost treasures…what’s not to love? All of these films bring us to magical worlds, but our favourite is the third in the series when Indy takes us to Petra in the middle east. The ornate facades carved from the desert stone have been added to our “Living List” for the Middle East.

About the Film:

From the studio that brought you Sweet Home Alabama comes the extraordinary romantic comedy starring Academy Award (R) nominee Diane Lane (2002 Best Actress, Unfaithful). Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling book, Under The Tuscan Sun follows San Francisco writer Frances Mayes (Lane) to Italy as a good friend offers her a special gift — 10 days in Tuscany. Once there, she is captivated by its beauty and warmth, and impulsively buys an aging, but very charming, villa. Fully embracing new friends and local color, she finds herself immersed in a life-changing adventure filled with enough unexpected surprises, laughter, friendship, and romance to restore her new home — and her belief in second chances.

Our 2 Cents:

With Tara and Natalie’s trip to Italy coming up, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that we have 3 films that are on the list right now. We loved our time in Italy, but regret we did not spend more time in the Tuscan countryside when we stayed in Florence. This movie reiterates the splendour of the unspoilt countryside and reaffirms our commitment to spend a few months in Tuscany.

The loons are back again on Golden Pond and so are Norman Thayer (Academy Award® winner Henry Fonda), a retired professor, and Ethel (Academy Award® winner Katharine Hepburn) who have had a summer cottage there since early in their marriage. This summer their daughter Chelsea (Academy Award® winner Jane Fonda) — whom they haven’t seen for years — feels she must be there for Norman’s birthday. She and her fiance are on their way to Europe the next day but will be back in a couple of weeks to pick up the fiance’s son. When she returns Chelsea is married and her stepson has the relationship with her father that she always wanted. Will father and daughter be able to communicate at last?

Our 2 Cents:

Golden Pond is actually Squam Lake near Holderness, New Hampshire. New England is well known for its natural beauty. The movie shows us that’s it’s never too late to connect with the ones that mean the most to you. It doesn’t hurt that it takes place in such a wonderful location. After watching this movie, you’ll want to spend a month or two just hanging out by a lake in the American Northeast.

About the Film:

Irresistible stars, John Cusack and Kate Bekinsale, are drawn together to take a chance on love in this critically acclaimed romantic comedy. In the course of one magical evening, Jonathan and Sara meet unexpectedly, then part ways after she decides they must let fate determine if they are meant to be together. Years later, they are both engaged to others but cannot give up the dream that despite time, distance and the obstacles that conspire to keep them apart, they will one day meet again. You’re destined to agree with audiences everywhere who fell for the surprising charms of this delightful big screen romance!

Our 2 Cents:

If there is ever a “best time” to visit New York city, Christmas time is it. (Tara’s two cents: Hey – if I can ice skate in Central Park and meet John Cusack while doing it…sign me up!)

About the Film:

From the revolutionary minds of Pixar Animation Studios and the acclaimed director of Monsters, Inc. comes a hilariously uplifting adventure where the sky is no longer the limit. Carl Fredricksen, a retired balloon salesman is part rascal, part dreamer who is ready for his last chance at high-flying excitement. Tying thousands of balloons to his house, Carl sets off to the lost world of his childhood dreams. Unbeknownst to Carl, Russell, an overeager 8-year old Wilderness Explorer who has never ventured beyond his backyard, is in the wrong place at the wrong time – Carl’s front porch! The world’s most unlikely duo reaches new heights and meets fantastic friends like Dug, a dog with a special collar that allows him to speak, and Kevin, the rare 13-foot tall flightless bird. Stuck together in the wilds of the jungle, Carl realizes that sometimes life’s biggest adventures aren’t the ones you set out looking for. UP reaches new heights and it’s an adventure that will send your spirits soaring!

Our 2 Cents:

Life happens. Life as we know it can change in the blink of an eye. Rather than live for someday, the message of this movie is live for now. We also learn that we can never give up on our dreams, no matter what the price.

NOTE: Affiliate links were used in this post. We do not promote any brand we have not used or experienced for ourselves. All opinions are our own. Please follow our advice at your own risk. By clicking these links helps support the Travel Far Enough website as we get a small payout from links, when you purchase from them. For that, we thank you.

If you like what you’ve read, will you share it?

About the author

Richard

Rich is part of the Travel Far Enough team. He quit his 13-year corporate Analytics career to write and travel the world. He and Tara are on this crazy nomadic journey together and currently somewhere in the world either housesitting or exploring. You can find Rich out walking wherever they land and when he's not working behind the scenes (for the most part), he may be found eating ice cream or downing a block of Old Gold chocolate when he stops. Rich is on the web, (reluctantly) on Facebook and on LinkedIn.

I've ditched the (corporate) desk, emptied the nest and now I'm on a Worldwide Trek.

Since leaving Australia in early 2018, I've road tripped from the South Island to the North Island of New Zealand. Driven from San Francisco to L.A., over to Texas then up to Chicago. I've been to Iceland and the U.K. I've walked almost 800 km across Spain on the Camino de Santiago. I've spent time in Japan, returned to Australia briefly for a few housesits, then headed back to the U.S. and on to Canada (first time) for 2.5 months for more adventures.... And there's more wanders and more adventures planned...

I want to inspire you to take the leap to make changes in your life. Life really is too short to simply exist in your life.

Join the community and share your dream life with me. I'd love to help you get there.

Can I Help You Find Something?

Looking for a Great Experience?

I recommend Skyscanner to book your next adventure.

Need a hotel?

You Need Travel Insurance – definitely.

Shop Amazon!

Travel Far Enough 2018. Made with an abundance of love, wine, coffee and swear words.